Transformable speech processor module for a hearing prosthesis

ABSTRACT

A method for operating an external component of a cochlear implant hearing system. The external component includes a speech processor module operable in a stand-alone mode of operation and a body-worn mode of operation, and a protective case. The method includes operating the speech processor module in the stand-alone mode, determining when the speech processor module is mounted in the case, and operating the speech processor module in the body-worn mode in response to determining that the speech processor module is mounted in the case.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 14/243,862 filed Apr. 2, 2014, which is a continuation applicationof U.S. application Ser. No. 13/729,485 filed Dec. 28, 2012, which is acontinuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/703,160 filedFeb. 9, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,352,037, which is a divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/586,524, filed Oct. 23, 2006, which is aNational Stage application of International Application No.PCT/US2004/043288, filed Dec. 27, 2004, which claims the benefit ofAustralian Provisional Patent Application No. 2003907138, filed Dec. 24,2003. The content of these applications is hereby incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hearing prosthesis and, moreparticularly, a transformable speech processor module for a hearingprosthesis.

Related Art

The use of medical devices to provide therapy to individuals for variousmedical conditions has become more widespread as the advantages andbenefits of such devices become more widely appreciated and acceptedthroughout the population. In particular, devices such as implantablepacemakers, defibrillators, functional electrical stimulation devicessuch as hearing prostheses, organ assist or replacement devices, andother medical devices, have been successful in performing life savingand/or lifestyle enhancement functions for a number of individuals.

Many such medical devices often include one or more sensors, processors,controllers or other functional electrical components that arepermanently or temporarily implanted in a patient. Many such implantabledevices require the transcutaneous transfer of power and/or informationwith external components that are part of, or operate in conjunctionwith, the implanted components of the medical device. Such externalcomponents are typically removably attached to the body of the patient.

One such type of medical device is a cochlear implant system, alsocommonly referred to as a cochlear prosthesis. Cochlear implant systemsprovide the benefit of hear to individuals suffering from severe toprofound hearing loss. Hearing loss in such individuals is due to theabsence or destruction of the hair cells in the cochlea which transduceacoustic signals into nerve impulses. Cochlear implants essentiallysimulate the cochlear hair cells by directly delivering electricalstimulation to the auditory nerve fibers. This causes the brain toperceive a hearing sensation resembling the natural hearing sensationnormally delivered to the auditory nerve.

Conventional cochlear implant systems primarily include an externalassembly directly or indirectly attached to the body of the patient(referred to herein as the recipient), and an internal assembly which isimplanted in the patient. The external assembly typically comprises oneor more microphones for detecting sound, a speech processing unit thatconverts detected sound, particularly speech, into an electrical codedsignal, a power source, and an external transcutaneous transfer coil.The internal assembly typically comprises an internal transcutaneoustransfer coil, a stimulator unit located within a recess of the temporalbone of the recipient, and an electrode array positioned in therecipient's cochlear.

Collectively, the external coil and the internal coil form aninductively-coupled transcutaneous transfer system. The transfer ofenergy via this system is controlled to effect the transmission of theelectrical coded signals, referred to herein as stimulation signals, andpower signals from the external speech processing unit to the implantedstimulator unit. Similarly, the transcutaneous transfer system may beused to effect the transmission of telemetry data from the implantedstimulator unit to the exterior speech processing unit. Conventionally,the communications link has been in the form of a radio frequency (RF)link, although other such links have been proposed and implemented. Oncea stimulation signal has been transmitted to the implantedtranscutaneous transfer coil, it is provided to the implanted stimulatorunit which processes the signal and outputs one or more signals to theintra-cochlear electrode assembly which applies the electricalstimulation directly to the auditory nerve of the recipient.

The speech processor unit has traditionally been worn on the body, suchas by being attached to clothing, or by being supported on the ear ofthe recipient. This latter configuration is commonly referred to as aBTE (behind the ear) configuration. The speech processor unit isrelatively expensive and susceptible to damage, especially in the handsof infants or small children, or when used in an unsuitable environment.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the invention, a method for operating an externalcomponent of a cochlear implant hearing system is disclosed. Theexternal component comprises a speech processor module is operable in astand-alone mode of operation and a body-worn mode of operation, and aprotective case. The method comprises operating the speech processormodule in the stand-alone mode, determining when the speech processormodule is mounted in the case, and operating the speech processor modulein the body-worn mode in response to determining that the speechprocessor module is mounted in the case.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for operating a cochlearimplant hearing system is disclosed. The method comprises operating, ina stand-alone mode of operation, a speech processor module havingprocessing circuitry disposed in a housing, determining, via anoperational mode controller, when the speech processor module is mountedin a protective case, and operating the speech processor module in abody-worn mode of operation in response to determining that the speechprocessor module is mounted in the case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hearing prosthesisin which embodiments of the present invention may be advantageouslyimplemented;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dual mode speechprocessing unit in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an external component system of ahearing prosthesis according to one embodiment of the present inventionsuitable for use with the speech processing unit illustrated in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of illustratedin FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an interface diagram of one embodiment of the speech processormodule illustrated in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 5 is a functional block of one embodiment of an aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of the relevant signal and electricalinterfaces when the speech processor module shown in FIG. 1B isimplemented in a stand-alone operational mode; and

FIG. 6B is a schematic of the relevant signal and electrical interfaceswhen the speech processor module shown in FIG. 1B is implemented in abody-worn operational mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a speech processormodule which may be implemented in more than one mode of operation of ahearing prosthesis. Specifically, certain embodiments of the presentinvention are directed to a speech processor module that can beimplemented as a component of in a behind-the-ear (BTE) speechprocessing unit, and as a component of a body-worn speech processingunit. The present invention is also directed to an external componentsystem for a hearing prosthesis that enables the dual-mode speechprocessor module to be worn on the body of a recipient rather thanbehind the recipient's ear.

Advantageously, certain embodiments of certain aspects of the presentinvention can be implemented such that the dual-mode speech processormodule is protected from adverse environmental conditions, includingcertain recipients. For example, in some embodiments described herein,the external component system includes a protective case which protectsthe speech processor module from infants, small children, mentallyhandicapped, etc., and/or allows the use of the speech processor modulein environments traditionally considered to be unsuitable for prosthetichearing devices. As a result, embodiments of the present inventionenable hearing prostheses to be worn by a wide range of recipients in awide range of environments.

Embodiments of the present invention are described below in connectionwith one embodiment of an exemplary hearing prosthesis, a cochlearprosthesis (also referred to as a cochlear implant system, cochlearprosthetic device and the like; “cochlear implant system” herein).Cochlear implant systems use direct electrical stimulation of auditorynerve cells to bypass absent or defective hair cells that normallytransducer acoustic vibrations into neural activity. Such devicesgenerally use multi-contact electrodes inserted into the scala tympaniof the cochlea so that the electrodes may differentially activateauditory neurons that normally encode differential pitches of sound.Such devices are also used to treat a smaller number of patients withbilateral degeneration of the auditory nerve. For such patients, acochlear implant system provides stimulation of the cochlear nucleus inthe brainstem.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary cochlear implant system100 in which embodiments of the present invention may advantageously beimplemented. Cochlear implant system 100 comprises external componentassembly 142 which is directly or indirectly attached to the recipient,and an internal component assembly 144 which is temporarily orpermanently implanted in the recipient. External component assembly 142typically comprises a microphone 120 for detecting sound, a speechprocessing unit 116, a power source (not shown), and an externaltransmitter unit 106. External transmitter unit 106 comprises anexternal coil 108, and preferably, an alignment magnet 110 secureddirectly or indirectly to external coil 108. Speech processing unit 116processes the output of microphone 120 that are positioned, in thedepicted example, by the ear 122 of the recipient. Speech processingunit 116 generates coded signals, referred to herein as a stimulationdata signals, which are provided to external transmitter unit 106 viacable 118.

Internal components 144 comprise an internal receiver unit 112, astimulator unit 126, and an electrode array 134. Internal receiver unit112 comprises an internal transcutaneous transfer coil 124, andpreferably, an alignment magnet 140 fixed relative to internal coil 124.Internal receiver unit 112 and stimulator unit 126 are hermeticallysealed within a housing 128. Internal coil 124 receives power and datafrom external coil 108. A cable 130 extends from stimulator unit 126 tocochlea 132 and terminates in electrode array 134. Signals generated bystimulator unit 126 are applied by array 134 to the basilar membrane136, thereby stimulating the auditory nerve 138.

Collectively, external coil 108 and internal coil 124 form aninductively-coupled coil system of a transcutaneous transfer apparatus102. In one embodiment, external coil 108 transmits and receiveselectrical signals to/from internal coil 124 via a radio frequency (RF)link 114. In use, implantable receiver unit 112 may be positioned in arecess of the temporal bone adjacent ear 122 of the recipient.

As noted, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a speechprocessor module which may be implemented in more than one mode ofoperation in a hearing prosthesis such as cochlear implant system 100.FIG. 1B is a perspective view of one embodiment of a dual-mode speechprocessor module of the present invention. In this embodiment, thedual-mode speech processor module of the present invention is configuredto be used in a behind-the-ear (BTE) speech processing unit 178, similarto speech processing unit 116 illustrated in FIG. 1A.

Behind the ear (BTE) speech processing unit 178 comprises a speechprocessor module 180 that contains signal processing circuitry (notshown). A detachable ear hook 182 is provided at one end of speechprocessor module 180 so as to allow the speech processor to be supportedbehind the outer ear of the recipient of the cochlear implant system. Adetachable power supply 184 comprising a rechargeable battery or otherpower source (not shown) is attached to speech processor module 180 toprovide power to the module. Speech processor module 180 utilizes abuilt-in microphone 186 that generates signals to the signal processingcircuitry housed within the speech processor module. Built-in microphone186 is also referred to as internal microphone 186 herein.

Speech processor module 180 includes a headpiece connector 188 and anaccessories connector 190 to connect to other components of theimplementing cochlear implant system or other hearing prosthesis. Inoperation, cables with an appropriately configured connector extendsfrom speech processing module 180 to a headpiece and, possible, anaccessory device, as described in detail below.

Speech processing unit 178 is configured to operate in a stand-alonemanner; that is, as a behind-the-ear (BTE) speech processing unit.However, speech processing unit 178 is susceptible to damage from roughhandling, such as might be experienced when used by infants or smallchildren. It also may not be suitable for use in adverse environments,such as environments having airborne particulates or significantmoisture. To operate under such conditions, speech processor module 180can operate in a body-worn mode of operation in an external componentsystem.

One embodiment of an external component system 200 of a hearingprosthesis according to the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 2 and3. External component system 200 operationally replaces externalcomponent assembly 142 of cochlear implant system 100 illustrated inFIG. 1A to convert the cochlear implant system from a prosthesis whichmay be readily damaged by the recipient and/or environment, to one whichis more robust or rugged and, therefore, suitable for use by infants,children, mentally handicapped and other recipients, and/or worn by anyrecipient in one or more adverse environmental conditions.

In certain embodiments, external component system 200 providesprotection for speech processor module 180. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, for example, a protective case 202 is included in externalcomponent system 200 to house speech processor module 180 and anon-board power supply 216. In certain embodiments, such protectionincludes protecting these components from ingress of fluid such aswater. In one embodiment, for example, protective case 202 is fluidresistant. In another embodiment, protective case 202 preventssubstantially all fluid ingress, even at elevated atmospheric pressure.Similarly, in certain embodiments, protective case 202 is at leastresistant to the ingress of dust or other particulates such as airbornefumes. In other embodiments, protective case 202 is capable of providingprotection against shocks and vibration, electromagnetic interference(EMI) and other environmental conditions which may adversely affect theoperational performance, integrity, and/or lifespan of speech processormodule 180.

External component system 200 also comprises a one-piece headpiece 208communicably coupled to speech processor module 180 via a cable 210. Aswill be described in greater detail below, headpiece 208 comprises theabove-noted external transmitter unit 106 including external coil 108,and alignment magnet 110 mounted in a protective housing 220 thatprovides the same or similar protection of its components as protectivecase 202.

Protective case 202 comprises a base member 204 and a cover member 206which mechanically mate with each other to form a protective enclosurein which speech processor module 180 is secured. Protective case 202also comprises a tray 324 on which speech processor module 180 isremovably mounted. In addition, tray 324 is configured to have on-boardpower supply 216 mounted adjacent to speech processor module 180 toprovide power to the speech processor module as described herein. Theseand other components of protective case 202 are described in furtherdetail below.

Referring again to FIG. 1B, speech processor module 180 is configured tobe connected to a detachable power supply 184 when implemented in astand-alone mode; here, as part of a behind the ear speech processingunit 178. When the recipient or their carer wishes speech processormodule 180 to be protected by case 202, ear hook 182 and power supply184 are detached from speech processor module 180, and the speechprocessor module is mounted on tray 324 of protective case 202. On-boardpower supply 216 is also mounted on tray 324. Cover member 206 is thensecured to base member 204 to provide a sealed enclosure in which speechprocessor module 180 and on-board power supply 216 are protected. Theresulting external component system 200 is then used in place of theexternal component assembly 142 illustrated in FIG. 1A. Protective case202 is secured to the recipient using, for example, strap(s) threadedthrough brackets 218.

As noted, in one embodiment, an on-board power supply 216 is included inprotective case 202 to provide power to speech processor module 180 whenthe speech processor module is installed in protective case 202. Powersupply 216 may be any suitable power supply now or later developedincluding but not limited to rechargeable batteries. In one embodiment,on-board power supply 216 implements batteries which are conventional,commercially-available batteries, making them significantly lessexpensive than detachable power supply 184.

Appropriate electrical connections are provided to transfer power fromon-board power supply 216 to speech processor module 180. Referring toFIG. 3, speech processor module 180 has one or more connector pins 322for connecting speech processor module 180 to detachable power supply184 when implementing the stand-alone operational mode. It should beappreciated that detachable power supply 184 has a connector (not shown)constructed and arranged to mate with the appropriate pin(s) 322 ofspeech processor module 180 to transfer power.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when speech processor module 180 is installedin protective case 202, on-board power supply 216 may not directlycontact speech processor module 180. As a result, a connector similar tothat implemented in detachable power supply 184 is not used in suchembodiments to directly connect on-board power supply 216 to speechprocessor module 180. Rather, in the illustrative embodiment, a bridgeconnection is provided in protective case 202 to connect the appropriatepin(s) 322 of speech processor module 180 to terminals 328 of on-boardpower supply 216.

In one embodiment, tray 324 provides the means to electrically connecton-board power supply 216 and speech processor module 180. Tray 324 alsocomprises apparatus to removably secure an installed power supply 216and speech processor module 180 to prevent damage to themselves or theother components housed in protective case 202.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, on-board power supply 216 isretained between a pair of vertical posts 326. Tray 324 also includesappropriately arranged contacts to electrically mate with terminals 328on power supply 216 when the power supply is mounted on tray 324. In theembodiment shown, power supply 216 has terminals 328 disposed along acorner of the power supply. Accordingly, tray 324 comprises contactsdisposed at the junction of vertical columns 326 and the top surface oftray 324. It should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat the contacts provided in tray 324 to electrically mate withterminals 328 of on-board power supply 216 may be located at anyappropriate location and be configured in any way which will achieve adesired electrical connection.

As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, the manner inwhich on-board power supply 216 is removably mounted on tray 324 canvary depending on a variety of factors including but not limited to theanticipated environment to which external component 200 and, inparticular, protective case 202, will be exposed, the weight and mass ofpower supply 216, the weight distribution of the power supply, etc.

As noted, speech processor module 180 is removably mounted on tray 324.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 speech processor module 180 is showndetached from power supply 184 and ear hook 182, exposing pins 322 andraised guide surface 330. Raised guide surface 330 is received by acomplementary channel in detachable power supply 184 to cause the powersupply to properly mate with pins 322 when the power supply is attachedto speech processor module 180.

Tray 324 comprises a connector block 332 having in one embodiment, amechanical and electrical interface similar to that of detachable powersupply 184. That is, connector block 332 comprises a connector (notshown) constructed and arranged to mate with pins 322 when speechprocessor 180 is mounted on tray 324. In addition, connector block 332has an integrated channel 320 configured to slidingly receive raisedguide surface 330 of speech processor module 180. To mount speechprocessor module 180 on tray 324, the speech processor module ispositioned such that raised guide surface 330 is aligned with an openend of channel 320. As speech processor module 180 is slid intoposition, channel 320 and raised guide surface 330 cooperate tofacilitate the mating of speech processor module 180 and the connectorof connector block 332.

In addition, raised guide surface 330 and channel 320 cooperate tosecurely retain speech processor module 180 to tray 324 when the speechprocessor module is mounted in protective case 202. It should beappreciated, however, that additional or alternative means may beemployed to removably secure speech processor module 180 to tray 324.Embodiments of tray 324 may also include other components to facilitatethe removable mounting of speech processor 180. For example, in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a brace 318 which is curved to abut orbe adjacent with a curved surface of speech processor module 180 isprovided. In alternative embodiments, speech processor 180 is securelyretained in protective case 324 using other techniques now or laterdeveloped.

When speech processor module 180 and on-board power supply 216 aremounted on tray 324, they are electrically connected to each other. Inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, such electricalconnection is provided by tray 324 so that additional components neednot be included in protective case 202, and additional steps beyondmounting speech processor 180 and power supply 216 are not necessary toattain an electrical connection.

Specifically, wiring connects the power supply contacts (not shown) ontray 324 and the connector (not shown) on connector block 332 whichmates with speech processor module 180. Such wiring may be integrated,for example, into platform 336 of tray 324, or may extend below platform336. In the latter embodiment, tray 324 preferably does not rest in thebottom surface of base member 204; rather, it rests on support membersto provide a space between platform 336 and base member 204 when tray324 is secured to the base member.

As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, the type ofelectrical connection provided can vary depending on the particularapplication. For example, the pins and sockets used to establish thebattery connection can be replaced with any other type of electricalconnectors. Also, one pin 322 can provide both the positive and groundconnections for transferring power to speech processor module 180.

As noted, base member 204 and cover member 206 are attached to eachother to provide a protective enclosure for speech processor module 180and on-board power supply 216. Cover member 206 and base member 204 areconfigured also to provide the recipient or carer access the enclosureto install or remove speech processor module 180 and power supply 216.In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, cover member 206is removable; that is, cover member 206 and base member 204 separatefrom each other to expose the interior of base member 204. It should beappreciated, however, that a portion or all of cover member 206 may beconfigured, for example, to rotate away from base member 204 to createan aperture through which speech processor module 180 and on-board powersupply 216 can be passed. Such rotation can be provided, for example,with mechanical hinges. There are, of course, a myriad of otherarrangements that may be implemented to provide the noted access. Forexample, one or more rotating, sliding, removable, or other types ofdoors, panels, sides, etc., may be implemented in either or both, covermember 206 and base member 204.

Cover member 206 and base member 204 may be formed of any material orcombination of materials suitable for the intended recipient andenvironment. For example, cover and base members 206, 204 may be formedof metallic material, ceramic material, polymeric material, compositesor any combination thereof. In addition, cover and base members 206, 204may be opaque, translucent, transparent, etc., to provide a desired viewof a desired portion of the interior of protective case 202 from therecipient, carer or third party.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, protective case 202contains a gasket 302 to seal protective case 202 when cover member 206is joined with base member 204. As noted, embodiments of protective case202 protect components mounted therein from a variety of environmentalelements such as fluids, dust, etc. Gasket 302 is appropriatelyconfigured and formed of the appropriate material to provide the desireddegree of protection from at least the environmental elements ofconcern.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, gasket 302 is shaped to bedisposed between the mating surfaces of cover member 206 and base member204 when the cover and base are brought together to form protective case202. Accordingly, gasket 302 takes the shape of the perimeter ofprotective case 202 at the location that the cover and base membersmeet. In one particular embodiment, gasket 302 provides additionalprotection. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, gasket 302 includes a contiguoussheath 334 of fluid-impermeable, resiliently flexible material extendingacross the interior of the gasket. When installed in protective case202, this embodiment of gasket 302 seals with the perimeter wall of basemember 204. This causes sheath 334 to cover speech processor module 180and power supply 216 mounted in base member 204. Thus, in addition topreventing ingress of at least selected environmental elements, gasket302 and sheath 334 also protect components from those environmentalelements which manage to penetrate protective casing 202. Sheath 334 canbe manufactured from polymeric, elastomeric or other suitable materials.In one embodiment, sheath 334 is transparent.

Protective case 202 comprises a fixation device to removably securecover member 206 to base member 204. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, such a fixation device comprises a combination of anappropriately located screw and threaded hole. Specifically, sheath 334has an orifice 304 formed therein that is adapted to allow passage of athreaded shaft of fixation screw 214 through sheath 334. Similarly,cover member 206 has an orifice 308 adapted to allow passage of thethreaded shaft of screw 214. When cover member 206 and sheath 334 areassembled with based member 204, orifice 308 and orifice 304 are alignedwith each other. Screw 214 may then pass through orifice 308 in covermember 206, and orifice 304 in sheath 334 to threadingly engage athreaded hole 310 of a post 312 on tray 324.

It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that theimplemented fixation device should not degrade the integrity of theprotective features implemented in protective case 202. For example, inthe above embodiment in which a fixation screw 214 is implemented, atthe location of screw 214, an elastomeric grommet 314 is provided tohelp prevent ingress of fluid into the protective case at the site ofscrew 214. Additionally washers, o-rings and the like may also be usedas appropriate.

External component system 200 also comprises a one-piece headpiece 208communicably coupled to speech processor module 180 via a cable 210. Asnoted, headpiece 208 comprises the above-noted external transmitter unit106 including external coil 108, and magnet 110 mounted in a housing 220that provides the same or similar protection of its components asprotective case 202.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, headpiece208 also comprises a second microphone 212 mounted thereon which isoperable when speech processor module 180 is installed in protectivecase 202. When speech processor module 180 is installed in protectivecase 202, microphone 186 cannot be used since it will be enclosed withprotective case 202. As such, external component system 200 provides analternate or replacement microphone 212, referred to as externalmicrophone 212.

Protective case 202 has an additional orifice (not shown) provided inbase member 204 to permit cable 210 to be inserted into the case. Cable210 extends from headpiece 208 into case 202 to mate with connector 188of speech processor module 180. The orifice may be sealed, for example,by a grommet 316 provided around the distal end of cable 210. Forexample, in one embodiment, grommet 316 and orifice are constructed andarranged to prevent water from entering protective case 202.

As noted, protective case 202 provides protection for speech processormodule 180 and on-board power supply 216. In the embodiments describedabove, such protection includes protecting the components from ingressof fluid, dust or other particulates such as airborne fumes. In otherembodiments, protective case 202 is capable of providing protectionagainst electromagnetic interference (EMI). In such embodiments, theinterior surfaces of cover member 206 and base member 204 are coatedwith a conformal EMI coating such as that used in cellular phones,computer systems and other electronic devices that emit or are sensitiveto electromagnetic radiation. In addition, in such embodiments gasket302 is an EMI gasket suitable for preventing EMI from escaping throughthe joined surfaces of cover member 206 and base member 204.

In other embodiments, protective case 202 protects the componentsmounted therein from vibration and/or shock. In such embodiments, tray324 may be suspended on a shock- and vibration-absorbing material orelements such as resilient posts or extensions disposed in or integratedwith base member 204. In addition, the dimensions of tray 324 may besomewhat less than the interior dimensions of protective case 202 toreduce the likelihood of shocks to tray 324 and the components mountedthereon.

FIG. 4 is a schematic interface diagram of one embodiment of speechprocessor module 180 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 4, speech processor module 180 comprises four (4)interfaces, a headpiece interface 402, an accessories interface 404, apower supply interface 406, and a clinical/diagnostic interface 408.Each of the interfaces 402-408 is supported by one or more connectors asdescribed above with references to FIGS. 2 and 3. It should beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, thatinterfaces 402-408 may be implemented in one or more connectorsconfigured differently than that described herein.

Headpiece interface 402 comprises a microphone signal line 410, anRF/telemetry signal line 411, a voltage signal line 412 and a groundsignal line 414. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, these signallines are included in cable 210 connecting headpiece 208 and speechprocessor module 180 via connector 188.

Accessories interface 404 comprises an input audio signal line 418, anauxiliary voltage input signal line 420, an output audio signal line 422and a ground signal line 424. These signal lines are transmitted betweenan accessory device (not shown) and accessories connector 190 of speechprocessor module 180.

Power supply interface 406 comprises a power supply identifier (ID)signal line 426, a voltage signal line 428, and a ground signal line430. These signal lines are transmitted between one or more pins 322 ofspeech processor module 180 and either power supply 184 or power supply216.

Clinical/diagnostic interface 408 comprises an alarm signal line 432,data in and out signal lines 434, 436, and a ground signal line 438.These signal lines are transmitted between one or more pins 322 ofspeech processor module 180 and a diagnostic device or display (notshown).

It should be appreciated that in the embodiment of external componentsystem 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the apertures in protectivecase 202 which provide access by cables that connect to accessoryconnector 190 (providing accessory interface 404), and pin(s) 322(providing clinical interface 408) are not shown. Such apertures,however, are the same or similar to those described above. In analternative embodiment, such interfaces are available only when speechprocessor module 180 implements the stand-alone mode of operation.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of these components of the presentinvention which enable speech processor module 180 to transition betweenstand-alone and a body-worn operational modes. In FIG. 5 an operationalmode controller 500 is implemented in speech processor module 180 todetermine which operational mode speech processor module 180 is toimplement, and to select the appropriate internal inputs and outputs(that is, provided as part of speech processor module 180) and externalinputs and outputs (that is, provided as part of external componentsystem 200) to enable speech processor module 180 to function in thedesired operational mode.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams showing a portion of theinterfaces utilized by one embodiment of speech processor module 180when implemented in both modes of operation. In FIG. 6A, speechprocessor module 180 has ear hook 182 and power supply 184 attached tofacilitate, in this embodiment, use as a stand-alone behind-the-ear(BTE) speech processing unit 178. Detachable power supply 184 is shownschematically, and contains a rechargeable battery 606 and an identifierresistor 604. Detachable power supply 184 is connected to speechprocessor module 180 via power supply interface 406. External coil 208,also shown schematically, is connected to speech processor module 180via headpiece interface 402. It should be appreciated, however, thatwhen in the BTE operating mode, speech processor module 180 does notutilize external microphone 212, and external transmitter unit 106 (FIG.1A) may be used with speech processor module 180 rather than exteriorcomponent system 200.

In FIG. 6B, speech processor module 180 is not attached to ear hook 182and power supply 184. Rather, it is coupled to on-board power supply 216and an alarm system 524. As will be described in detail below, speechprocessor module 180 may be connected to a variety of externalcomponents implemented in protective case 202 or other components ofexternal component system 200 depending on the implementedfunctionality. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6B is just one exemplaryimplementation. In addition, external coil 208, also shownschematically, is connected to speech processor module 180 via headpieceinterface 402 in the arrangement shown in FIG. 6B.

Returning to FIG. 5, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, operation mode controller 500 comprises an operational modeselector 502 that determines which operational mode speech processormodule 180 is to implement. As noted, in the exemplary embodimentdescribed herein, speech processor module 180 may be implemented in astand-alone mode as illustrated in FIG. 1B, or a body-worn mode ofoperation as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Operational mode selector 502 makes the noted determination based onsettings or conditions sensed or received by either an externaloperational mode sensor 504 implemented in protective case 202, or aninternal operational mode sensor 506 implemented in speech processormodule 180.

In one embodiment, the operational mode of speech processor module 180is determined based on the identification of the power supply that isconnected to the speech processor module. In such an embodiment, eachpower supply which may be utilized in connection with speech processormodule 180 includes some identifying feature. Information regarding theidentifying feature is communicated to speech processor module 180 viapower supply identification (ID) signal line 426. In such embodiments,an internal operational mode sensor 506 is implemented to detect theparticular identifying feature.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, theidentifying feature is the value of a resistor included in each powersupply. Referring to FIG. 6A, detachable power supply 184 comprises aresistor 604 and, in this example, a rechargeable battery 606. Resistor604 identifies power supply 184 as a type of detachable power supplysuitable for use when speech processor module 180 implements thestand-alone mode of operation. Referring to FIG. 6B, on-board powersupply 216 comprises a resistor 654 and, in this example, a rechargeablebattery 656. Resistor 654 identifies power supply 216 as a type ofon-board power supply suitable for use when speech processor module 180implements the body-worn mode of operation.

In such embodiments, internal operational mode sensor 506 measures theresistance between ID signal line 426 and ground signal line 430 todetermine the resistance of resistor 604 or 654. Based on thisinformation, the type of power supply (i.e. one suitable for use instand-alone mode verse one suitable for use in body-worn mode), and thedesired mode of operation is determined by operational mode selector502. The operational mode 501 is then distributed to other functionalcomponents of controller 500 as described herein.

It should also be appreciated that operational mode sensors 504, 506 mayutilize other information to determine the operational mode of speechprocessor module 180. For example, an externally-accessible switch maybe provided on speech processor unit 180 (as part of internal sensor506) or protective case 202 (as part of external sensor 504) to enablethe recipient or another to manually select the operational mode. Whenimplemented as part of external sensor 504, such a switch is preferablyconfigured to prevent infants and children from changing the operationalmode, as well as to prevent accidental changing of the operational modeduring the intended use of the body-worn external component system 200.When implemented as part of internal sensor 506, such a switch isinaccessible once speech processor module 180 is mounted in protectivecase 202 making such safeguards optional.

In another embodiment, external operational mode sensor 504 includes aninfrared or other sensor responsive to signals transmitted by a remotecontrol device. Such an embodiment allows the recipient or their carerto transmit appropriate signals to select the desired operational modeof speech processor module 180.

Based on the selected mode of operation 501 generated by operationalmode selector 502, a microphone selector 510 of controller 500 selectswhich microphone to use. When in the stand-alone mode of operation,internal microphone 186 is utilized, as shown in FIG. 6A. Whenimplementing the body-worn mode of operation, microphone 212 onheadpiece 208 is utilized, as shown in FIG. 6B. Microphone selector 510forwards, connects, routes or otherwise provides the selected microphone511 to other components of speech processor module 180.

As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, externalmicrophone 212 may be located elsewhere; however, it is preferable thatthe external microphone be integrated into headpiece 208 as describedherein. Such an embodiment reduces the quantity of components while alsoprotecting the external microphone.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, speech processor module 180 comprisesinternal alarm(s) 526 to provide the recipient or another with visualand/or audible indications of predetermined conditions occurring in thespeech processor module when the speech processor module implements thestand-alone mode of operations. Exterior alarm(s) 524 are provided inprotective case 202 to provide the same or similar alarms to therecipient or another when speech processor module 180 implements thebody-worn mode of operation. In accordance with one embodiment,operational mode controller 500 comprises an alarm selector 520 thatselects whether alarm conditions are to be broadcast using internalalarms 526 or external alarms 524 based on the selected operational mode501.

Referring to FIG. 6B, external alarm(s) 524 is/are implemented inprotective case 202 and comprises a buzzer 662 that is actuated when analarm condition 523 is detected. External alarm(s) 524 incorporate aswitch 658 that can be thrown by the recipient or another to generate adeactivate signal 521 to disable the alarm function. Such a switch ispreferably configured to prevent the unintended changing of the state ofthe alarm.

In one embodiment, external alarm 524 is implemented as part ofconnector block 332 on tray 324. In an alternative embodiment, externalalarm 524 is implemented elsewhere on tray 324 or in protective case202. It should be understood that the above embodiment of external alarm524 is a buzzer. Such an audible alarm may be located at the exteriorsurface of protective case 202, or may be located internal to protectivecase 202 with an adjacent aperture in the protective case to permit thesound to travel out of the case and be heard by the recipient. In suchalternative embodiments, such an aperture is constructed and arranged toprovide a degree of protection analogous to that implemented in theother components and aspects of body-worn external components 200.

It should also be appreciated that the type of alarm may include visualindicators in addition to or instead of the audible alarm noted above.Alternatively, an audible sound may be injected into the audio path tobe heard by only the recipient. In one embodiment, the type of externalalarm (indicator, enunciator, internal audio, etc.), may be selected bythe recipient or another, depending on the recipient and intended use ofexternal components 200.

As one of ordinary skill in the art would find apparent, any conditionmay be selected to be one which qualifies as an alarm condition. Forexample, in one embodiment, alarm conditions include when thetranscutaneous RF link fails such as by displacement of the externalantenna. In another embodiment, alarm conditions include when protectivecase 202 is opened. It should also be appreciated that a hierarchicalarrangement of alarm conditions may be established, each having a uniqueidentifying alarm.

Speech processor module 180 comprises an internal display 536comprising, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and/or one ormore LEDs that display performance criteria 531 of the module. In oneembodiment, performance criteria 531 comprises battery charge state,memory state, and/or other criteria.

In one embodiment, such performance criteria is not provided to therecipient when speech processor module 180 is mounted in protective case202. In an alternative embodiment, a portion of cover member 206 and/orbase member 204 are transparent to provide a view into a protective case202 such that internal display 536 can be seen from a position externalto protective case 202.

In a further embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, protective case 202provide an external display 534, for example, an LCD display located incover member 206. A display selector 530 determines whether internaldisplay 536 implemented in speech processor module 180 or externaldisplay 534 implemented in protective case 202 is to be used to providethe recipient or another with an indication of the noted performancecriteria. Such a determination is based on selected operational mode 501generated by operational mode selector 501. Such information may beprovided to external display 534 via, for example, data out signal line436.

Speech processor module 180 also comprises internal user controls 546through which a recipient or another can program or otherwise selectfunctional operating parameters in speech processor module 180. Forexample, in one embodiment, speech processor module 180 comprisesinternal user controls 546 which enable, for example, program selection,volume control, etc.

In one embodiment, such user controls are not provided to the recipientwhen speech processor module 180 is mounted in protective case 202. In afurther embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 5, protective case 202 providesexternal user controls 544 located, for example, in cover member 206and/or base member 204. A user controls selector 540 determines whetherinternal user controls 546 of speech processor module 180 or externaluser controls 544 in protective case 202 are to be utilized to providethe recipient or another with the ability to control speech processormodule 180. Such a determination is made based on the operational mode501 provided by operational mode selector 502.

When external user controls 544 is selected (i.e. speech processormodule 180 implements the body-worn mode of operation), the transfer ofinformation from the external interface is provided to selector 540 via,for example, data in signal line 434 (FIG. 4). The user control inputs541 generated by the selected user controls 544, 546 are forwarded,routed or otherwise provided to speech processor module 180 by selector540.

Speech processor module 180 includes internal on/off control 556,typically implemented as a manual switch in the housing of the speechprocessor module which can be manipulated by the recipient or another.When speech processor module 180 is mounted in protective case 202,internal on/off control 556 is no longer accessible to control the powerstate of speech processor module 180.

In one embodiment, no additional controls are provided. In such anembodiment, protective case 202 must be opened to provide access to theabove-noted on/off switch 556 on speech processor module 180. However,such an embodiment is inconvenient and time consuming to manage. Inaddition, repeated access to protective case 202 will accelerate thewearing of gasket 302 or other seal implemented in protective case 202to provide the above-noted protection.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, an external on/off control 554is included in protective case 202 which can be activated without havingto access the internal enclosure of the protective case. In oneembodiment, external on/off control 554 includes a reed switch or othermagnetically-responsive component implemented in protective case 202. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the external on/off control 554 generates asignal which is forwarded, routed, passed, regenerated or otherwiseprovided to a power relay or other component speech processor module 180to interrupt power to the module. In an alternate embodiment, themagnetically-responsive component is electrically interposed betweenon-board power supply 216 and speech processor module 180. In thisembodiment, speech processor module 180 is disconnected from the powersupply when the magnetic field of a magnet such as alignment magnet 110within headpiece 208 is brought to a location adjacent to themagnetically-responsive switch.

Other embodiments are also configured to cease operation when thetranscutaneous RF link has been broken. For example, in one embodiment,internal on/off control 556 causes speech processor module 180 toperiodically transmit an RF signal to implantable components 144, andwait for a response. When no response is present, speech processormodule 180 enters a standby mode or turns off. If a standby mode isimplemented, speech processor module 180 periodically transmits an RFsignal while in the standby mode. If a response is received, speechprocessor module 180 then fully activates, starts processing sound andretransmits signals to implantable component 144.

In another embodiment, external on/off control module 554 can include amanually-activated switch located on the exterior of protective case202. Such a switch is preferably configured to prevent children fromchanging the power state, and from accidental changing of the powerstate during the intended use of the body-worn external components 200.

In addition to one or more of the above embodiments, speech processormodule 180 can also be adapted to shut down whenever on-board powersupply 216 is being charged. In such an embodiment, protective case 202also comprises charging circuitry (not shown) to allow power supply 216to be recharged when case 202 is not in use.

In another embodiment, external on/off control 554 includes an infraredor other sensor responsive to signals transmitted by a remote deviceoperated by the recipient or their carer.

In the case of adults, the present invention provides a recipient withthe flexibility of using their speech processor module 180 in a moistenvironment. For infants and small children, the present invention alsocan be used in the comfort that the speech processor is less likely tobe damaged than would be the case where the speech processor unit isused in the stand-alone mode. The case 202 is also potentiallyadvantageous in that it can serve to assist in preventing tampering ofspeech processor module 180 by a child recipient or a third party.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: using a speech processor toevoke a first hearing percept while the speech processor is locatedbehind the ear of a recipient via signal communication of the speechprocessor with an implantable component of a hearing prosthesis;removing the speech processor from behind the ear of the recipient;placing the speech processor in a case configured to protect the speechprocessor from water; and using the speech processor to evoke a secondhearing percept while the speech processor is in the protective casewhile using the case to protect the speech processor from water viasignal communication of the speech processor while in the protectivecase with the implantable component of a hearing prosthesis.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein: the speech processor is part of a behind theear (BTE) device.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein: the case includesan interior compartment; and the case protects against ingress of waterinto the interior.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein: the case isconfigured to protect against substantially all fluid ingress into thecase.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein: the case includes two sectionsconfigured to be moved relative to one another, so that the case can beopened and closed, and wherein the case is configured such that when thetwo sections are brought into proximity with one another to protect thespeech processor from water, a seal is established between the twosections preventing water from entering the case and reaching the speechprocessor; and the method includes, prior to the action of using thecase to protect the speech processor, bring the two sections intoproximity with one another to protect the speech processor from watersuch that the seal is established between the two sections preventingwater from entering the case and reaching the speech processor.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein: the case is configured to preventsubstantially all fluid ingress at elevated atmospheric pressures. 7.The method of claim 1, further comprising: before placing the speechprocessor into the case, removing the speech processor from a firstexternal component of the hearing prosthesis; and before using thespeech processor to evoke the second hearing percept, placing the speechprocessor into signal communication with an implantable component of thehearing prosthesis while the speech processor is in the case.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, wherein: the action of placing the speech processorinto the case, combined with an action of subsequently closing the case,protects the speech processor from water relative to that which was thecase when the speech processor was part of the first external component.9. The method of claim 7, wherein: the speech processor is part of abody of a behind the ear (BTE) device.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein: the water resistant case is not part of the first externalcomponent.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein: the action of removingthe speech processor from the first external component entailsdisconnecting the body from a first cable connected to a firsttranscutaneous transfer coil.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein: theaction of removing the speech processor from the first externalcomponent entails disconnecting the body from a first cable connected toa first transcutaneous transfer coil; and the method further comprisesplacing a second transcutaneous transfer coil into signal communicationwith the speech processor through a protective barrier that protects thebody from water by extending a connector of a cable connected to thesecond transcutaneous transfer coil through the protective barrier. 13.The method of claim 1, wherein: the action of using the speech processorto evoke a second hearing percept while the speech processor is in thecase is executed while the case is exposed to water at an elevatedatmospheric pressure.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein: the firsthearing percept is evoked while the speech processor is away from water;and the second hearing percept is evoked while the recipient is exposedto water.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein: the speech processor ispart of a behind the ear (BTE) device; and at least a portion of the BTEdevice including the speech processor that directly contacts the ear ofthe recipient while the first hearing percept is evoked is placed intothe case during the action of placing the speech processor in the case.16. The method of claim 1, wherein: the first hearing percept is evokedwith the speech processor in signal communication with a firsttranscutaneous transfer coil; the method further comprises: removing thefirst transcutaneous transfer coil from signal communication with thespeech processor prior to placing the speech processor in the case; andplacing a second transcutaneous transfer coil different from the firsttranscutaneous transfer coil into signal communication with the speechprocessor after the speech processor is placed into the case and beforethe second hearing percept is evoked.
 17. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: placing a transcutaneous transfer coil into signalcommunication with the speech processor after the speech processor isplaced into the case and before the second hearing percept is evoked byinserting a plug into the case such that the plug is in signalcommunication with the speech processor, wherein the plug is in signalcommunication with the transcutaneous transfer coil.
 18. The method ofclaim 1, wherein: the action of placing the speech processor in the caseincludes placing the speech processor into a first portion of the caseand moving at least one of a second portion of the case or the firstportion of the case such that the first portion and second portion ofthe case form an interior in which the speech processor is locatedprotected by water by a seal between the first portion of the case andthe second portion of the case.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein: thespeech processor is a BTE component; and the case includes: a basehaving a hollow portion configured to receive the speech processor; anda lid configured to extend over the hollow portion of the base, whereinthe case is configured to removably receive the BTE component andprotect the BTE component from water.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein: the case is configured to retain the BTE component on one sideof the hollow portion relative to an opposite side of the hollowportion.
 21. The method of claim 19, further comprising: inserting aconnector of a cable connected to a transcutaneous transfer coil intothe case to establish communication between the cable and a connector ofthe speech processor while still protecting the BTE component fromwater, wherein the cable enables a hearing percept to be evoked by animplanted component based on speech processed by the speech processorusing the transcutaneous transfer coil via communication between thetranscutaneous transfer coil and the speech processor while the BTEcomponent is located in the case such that the BTE component isprotected from water.
 22. The method of claim 19, further comprising:mating a connector of a cable with the BTE component while the BTEcomponent is located in the case such that the BTE component isprotected from water.
 23. The method of claim 19, further comprising:directly mating a connector of a cable with the BTE component while theBTE component is located in the case such that the BTE component isprotected from water.
 24. The method of claim 19, wherein: case isconfigured to enable the lid to move relative to the base to open andclose the case, wherein the base and lid form an interior in which, whenthe speech processor is removably received therein, is protected fromwater by a seal between the first portion of the case and the secondportion of the case.
 25. The method of claim 1, wherein: the firsthearing percept is evoked with the speech processor in signalcommunication with a transcutaneous transfer coil; the method furthercomprises: removing the transcutaneous transfer coil from signalcommunication with the speech processor prior to placing the speechprocessor in the case; and placing a transcutaneous transfer coil intosignal communication with the speech processor after the speechprocessor is placed into the case and before the second hearing perceptis evoked.
 26. The method of claim 1, further comprising: placing atranscutaneous transfer coil assembly into signal communication with thespeech processor after the speech processor is placed into the case,wherein the transcutaneous transfer coil assembly includes atranscutaneous transfer coil and a microphone, wherein thetranscutaneous transfer coil assembly includes a housing that providesthe same protection to the microphone from water as the case does to thespeech processor.